Oxford establishes Ashall Professorship in Artificial Intelligence following Ashall donation

Professor Michael Wooldridge appointed as first Ashall Professor of the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence at Oxford, following an endowment to secure the pioneering role. 

The University of Oxford has announced the establishment of the Ashall Professorship of the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, following a donation from Michael and Hilary Ashall. Professor Michael Wooldridge, our Theme head for research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, has been appointed as the inaugural Ashall Professor at the department.  

I could never have imagined being the recipient of such an honour – to be the first holder of a unique academic position. I am delighted, humbled, and profoundly grateful. This is an extraordinary time for AI – understanding the foundational theory of AI systems is one of the most important challenges in science today, and the establishment of this chair simply could not be more timely. Professor Michael Wooldridge

We are very grateful to Michael and Hilary Ashall for their very generous donation, which will ensure that the study of artificial intelligence will continue to thrive at Oxford. The establishment of this chair comes at a crucial time in the development of AI and Computer Science, as the field continues to advance rapidly and to impact every sector of society. Department of Computer Science Head of Department Professor Leslie Ann Goldberg 

The donation, matched by the University’s Endowment Challenge Fund, creates an ‘endowed chair’ as it funds the position in perpetuity, a centuries-old Oxford tradition of permanent professorships. This gift builds on the Ashalls’ significant support for Oxford, following their donation in 2022 to establish the Ashall Professorship in Infection and Immunity, currently held by Professor Sir Andrew Pollard in the Medical Sciences Division. 

I’ve always believed in the transformative power of education and research. Supporting Oxford’s drive towards revolutionary discoveries in AI and medicine is not just an investment in knowledge but a contribution to the well-being of future generations. Seeing the University’s commitment to applying science for global benefit, much like the success of Oxford’s vaccine development, inspired us to be part of this enduring legacy. Michael Ashall

You can read the full announcement on the MPLS website: https://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/latest/news/oxford-establishes-ashall-professorship-in-artificial-intelligence-following-ashall-donation